רְמַלְיָ֜הוּ (re.mal.ya.hu)
re.mal.ya.hu
Remaliah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Remaliah is a proper name appearing thirteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical narratives of 2 Kings and Isaiah. The name itself carries a specific theological weight, translating to "protected by Jehovah." This etymology reflects the common Israelite practice of embedding divine names into personal identifiers, signaling a reliance on God’s safeguarding even during turbulent political eras.
Historically, he is identified as the father of Pekah, who became king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Remaliah’s significance in Scripture arises not from his own reign, but from his son’s actions and their consequences for Judah. The texts mention him when describing the political landscape surrounding King Ahaz, particularly during the Syro-Ephraimite War where Pekah allied with Rezin of Aram against Jerusalem.
While Remaliah himself is not a central actor in the prophetic narratives, his lineage is crucial for understanding the context of Isaiah’s messages. The prophets address the threats posed by his son’s coalition, framing the military pressure on Judah as a test of faith. Thus, Remaliah serves as a historical anchor, connecting the royal houses of Israel and Judah during a period of intense geopolitical instability and divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Remaliah means "protected by Jehovah." While he appears mostly as a background figure in the histories of Kings and Chronicles, his lineage places us right in the middle of a terrifying political crisis. His son Pekah, along with Rezin of Syria, besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Ahaz. This was not just a military threat; it was a spiritual test for Judah.
When enemies close in and alliances crumble, fear often takes hold. Isaiah’s message to Ahaz was simple: do not be afraid. The political machinations of Remaliah’s son could not overthrow God’s purposes. Even when the world seems unstable, the name Remaliah reminds us that Jehovah is the true protector. Our security does not rest on strong armies or clever treaties, but on faithfulness to God.
This historical moment shows how human plans can fail while God remains steadfast. We are invited to trust in His protection, even when circumstances look dark. The stability we seek comes from believing in the Lord, just as Isaiah urged Ahaz to do.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Remaliah13×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְמַלְיָֽהוּ\׃3×
- רְמַלְיָ֧הוּ2×
- רְמַלְיָ֜הוּ2×
- רְמַלְיָ֖הוּ2×
- רְמַלְיָ֑הוּ2×
- רְמַלְיָ֤הוּ1×
- רְמַלְיָ֔הוּ1×
Key Verses
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II Kings 15:25
Pekah the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him and attacked him in Samaria, in the fortress of the king’s house, with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites. He killed him, and reigned in his place.
This verse introduces Remaliah by identifying him as the father of Pekah, who overthrew the king through conspiracy.
-
Isaiah 7:4
Tell him, ‘Be careful, and keep calm. Don’t be afraid, neither let your heart be faint because of these two tails of smoking torches, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
Here Isaiah tells Ahaz not to fear the anger of Rezin and the son of Remaliah, framing their threat as insignificant compared to God's care.
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II Kings 16:5
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to wage war. They besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
This occurrence highlights the severity of the crisis, as Pekah and Rezin besieged Jerusalem but could not overcome Ahaz.
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Isaiah 7:9
The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.’”
The prophet identifies Remaliah’s son as the head of Ephraim, linking the political leadership directly to the spiritual warning about belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Remaliah mean?
Who is Remaliah in the Bible?
Why is Remaliah mentioned in Isaiah?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 3 books)
II Kings 7 verses
Pekah the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him and attacked him in Samaria, in the fortress of the…
II Kings 15:27In the fifty-second year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria for…
II Kings 15:30Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, attacked him, killed him, and reigned in…
II Kings 15:32In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel, Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah began to reign.
II Kings 15:37In those days, Yahweh began to send Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah against Judah.
II Kings 16:1In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.
II Kings 16:5Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to wage war. They besieged Ahaz,…